From Holland the next stop was Budapest Hungary. The flight was short, about an hour and 40 minutes, enough time to take a short nap. The plane was full. Curious the people talked and laughed the entire trip. All of the other flights everyone was very quiet.
Vera was right at the gate. Vera lived with me here in Minneapolis for 8 months a few years ago while she worked at Koehler. We became family. March 2 she and Akos her husband had a darling healthy baby boy Szilard. I wanted to hold him and play with him. We went to their house in Gyor a city an hour and a half from Budapest. They have a darling house, dog, cat, fence, all of what it takes to make a family and now a baby.
Sunday morning we were up early to drive back into Budapest to attend The European Orchid Show/Exhibition. It was so well done; the whole thing was first class. There were lovely settings and exhibitions. The orchid growers competed and the ribbons for the winners displayed. They judged the creative settings as well as the plants. Around the whole large area were vendors with everything one will ever want to grow and create with orchids. On the main stage a designer was showing and talking how to design with orchid plants and orchid stems. It was all very interesting and educational.
When going to school we always were told that Hungary is the bread basket of the world. Well, it is true, they have the best bread anywhere, every size, shape, color, style, texture and I love all of it. We stopped at a local restaurant for dinner, with their pancakes and went home to enjoy the remainder of the day as a family. Monday we stayed home, cooked together, went outside, walked and shared the lovely day.
Tuesday I packed ready for Timi and Tamas to pick me up to go to Budapest to visit flower shops and see the city. It was difficult leaving Vera and Szilard and Akos.
Once into the city we visited several flower shops that Vera’s friend Peter suggested. Peter is a winner of The European Cup. Many European countries send chosen delegates to compete. Hungary is often the cup winner. It was delightful walking and driving around the big energetic city, stopping and talking to shop owners and employees about their education system in Floristry.
Later we met relatives of Tamas that were visiting from Sweden, talk about multi-lingual, all spoke English which I find is a norm in European countries. Everyone I encountered in the airports or public service speaks English very well, with a colorful accent. After a great Hungarian dinner we drove to see the Citadel at night, all around the city seeing the new concert halls and glorious buildings lit up to welcome us.
The show area was in a huge wholesale facility, about 3 of Koehler&Dramm, set up very differently. Vendors come in three days a week, rent a space and sell from there, somewhat like a co-op. It was really nice to see and walk around. We went upstairs to prepare. Timi had some corsage wristlets, glue and a few other items for me to show. My main goal was to talk about the school, and find a great designer that we can invite to Koehler & Dramm to share with our customers and students. The morning was a business meeting, how to promote your business and web business how to approach and use. Timi translated for me. Then it was our turn.
Attila Boros is a co-director of the association. Timi spoke with him, suggested I come do a part in their show. He took a chance and invited us. He is a talented delightful designer, who last year won the European Cup.
(photo: with Peter Panczel and Attila Boros)
The three of us went on stage. I talked, Timi translated all about the school and Attila translated about the designs. It was energizing and so so much fun. The audience was fully engaged, asked lots of questions, stayed there the entire time. They do not make and wear many corsages. I showed several ways with what was there in flowers and time. I showed Phil’s bird and some weavings and leaf work. Timi talked about our u tube and school. It was wonderful.
We left there to take a side trip to Timi and Tamas home town. I meet both of their parents, saw Tamas hobby farm, ate more great bread and food, with some home made Palinka…that will snap you to attention…thank you to Timi’s dad. Then we went back to Budapest.
On a note Attila will be coming to US soon to do a stage program, teach some classes and have some fun here in US. We are already making plans so stay in touch.
Thursday April 19, 2012
We were up early to the coffee shop/bakery downstairs, love the city. The coffee is wonderful and the baked items are soooo good. Timi taught me some things on the computer to help me communicate with everyone and her better. She is very patient with me, and all of the passwords.
The three of us stopped at the gigantic local market, with everything from bulk food, meat, fish craft and gift items. Two floors of wondrous things and Langos, Hungarian bread treat. It is similar to Native American bread here. Native American fried bread has honey and sugar with cinnamon; this has lots of butter, garlic with more garlic. There are sever al toppings, the garlic is the traditional. In respect to the other passengers on the flight we did not choose the garlic.
It was a bitter/sweet ride to the airport; I am ready to come home, but very hard to leave these two remarkable people. They came in with me, stayed and helped me, then we parted. I confess I went into the restroom and cried, it was difficult to leave Hungary with Vera and Timi and their families.
The flight was the best, three seats open in the center section. I laid down closed my eyes and slept most of the way home.
Customs was easy, Andrea picked me up, brought me home. Judy and Andrea packed me a snack to eat before bed, how thoughtful and delicious, thank you.
end of another magnificent adventure.
No comments:
Post a Comment